Bio terror drill to include real flu shots

Two years ago, I undertook the opportunity to develop a "Mass Vaccination Plan" for Furnas County and surrounding areas should there be a bioterroristic attack on the United States.

By attending meetings that included hospital personnel from the area and Health & Human Services representatives from the state of Nebraska, the plan for Furnas, Eastern Red Willow, Southern Frontier Counties of Nebraska and Northern Decatur County of Kansas, was developed.

At the end of the developing stages, we had a meeting of area EMT's at the Cambridge High School Auditorium and did a walk-through of the facility according to the plan. This walk-through was the first step toward preparing for the reality of what will occur during a true disaster. We are at the point of putting that plan to the test.

TVHS believes preparation is essential for the best response in an emergency situation. The middle to the end of October and the beginning of November is the prime time to immunize for the flu vaccine. Having said that, we see this as a perfect opportunity to test "the plan" by holding a "mass immunization clinic" to administer the influenza vaccine to the population this year.

TVHS plans to operate the mass immunization clinic on Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. We want every possible individual in the previously mentioned county areas to come to the Cambridge School to get the flu vaccination during the designated times.

No appointment is necessary. TVHS will not be holding any other scheduled clinics for the flu vaccination.

In a true National/State emergency, it does not matter where people routinely seek medical care. The supplies will be distributed by the state, based on population in accordance to the preplanned sites. People will need to go to the nearest vaccination site, not necessarily to their home clinic/hospital.

I also need to emphasize that this drill will NOT be a free immunization clinic. TVHS will be requesting the usual fee for the vaccination and will need forms filled out for documentation. In that respect, it is no different than any other year. Again, TVHS is not scheduling any other flu immunization clinics as we have done in the past. This year, we will only be vaccinating during this two-day clinic.

Area EMTs and Fire Squads are involved in the drill as well. They will be at the school assisting on site during the clinic. They are also responsible for the transportation of individuals that have traveling needs.

They will set these up based on individual towns and how they want to prepare for a true disaster. They also will remain in the communities to handle any other emergencies.

Individuals that live in nursing facilities will be given the opportunity to receive the flu vaccination the following days after the drill, as per stated in the mass vaccination plan.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important event.

-- Judy Hayes is director of acute care services for the Tri Valley Health System. She can be reached at (308) 697-3329.